Charleston church shooting defendant seeking local jury

CHARLESTON, S.C. – An attorney wants the federal jury that will try Dylann Roof selected from the Charleston and nearby Beaufort areas, not from across South Carolina.

David Bruck made the request in court documents filed Wednesday.

Roof faces hate crimes and other charges in the shootings of nine parishioners at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston a year ago this Friday. The government is seeking the death penalty in the trial set for Nov. 7.

During an earlier hearing, Bruck said it would be a challenge for jurors from across the state to have to come to Charleston. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel has said between 1,200 and 1,500 jurors will likely be summoned.

South Carolina also is seeking the death penalty when Roof stands trial in state court for murder in January.